With Christmas now behind us and the promise of warmer weather to come, what we need now is a holiday. Naturally, we all choose a destination, check our passport, sort out which clothes we’ll need, get some currency converted and grab our sunglasses. For us watch lovers though, there will always be that burning question, what’s the ideal watch to take away with me?
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
Since I first saw the Bell & Ross BR05, I have always thought of it as a great travelling watch. Perfect by the pool, or even trekking across Europe, this Ice Blue GMT version, could be the one to go for.
For frequent travellers it can feel like a bit of a faff to alter the time on your watch with each arrival at a new destination. So why not make your life a little simpler and use a GMT watch? Simply just set your second time zone and you’re good to go.
However, this may leave you wondering: what is a GMT watch and why do I need one? So, in this article, I hope to shed some light on the why, and to help you to decide, if you need one in your collection.
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
First up, what does GMT stand for? Well, for that answer, we need to go back a little in time to 1884, when an international convention declared Greenwich, England as the “Mean Time” against which the rest of the Earth’s time zones would be compared. This was at a time when continents were crossed in boats, over days and weeks, not mere hours in fast planes.
The Atomic clock had been invented in 1955 and a few years later in 1960, the US and UK synched their atomic radio time signals into what would become “Universal Time Coordinated”, or UTC, which replaced GMT. But by that time, the name “GMT” had stuck and is still commonly used today.
Now we understand what GMT is and where it came from, you can read here, in more depth about how GMT watches work.
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
So why the Bell & Ross BR05 Ice Blue GMT? First introduced in 2019, the BR05 collection stands out as an iconic addition to the distinguished line-up of Bell & Ross models. Leveraging the compelling design aesthetics of a rounded square, it skilfully transforms this element into a distinctive accessory, solidifying its presence as a recognizable emblem within the entry-level luxury sports watch genre. Gaining recognition for crafting aviation-instrument watches, the addition of a GMT model in the BR05 collection aligns seamlessly with Bell & Ross's vision, especially considering the line is tailored for "urban explorers."
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
Let me just get this out there, I myself am a fan of Bell & Ross and do have a slight bias towards them. However, this is a cracking watch aesthetically and when the Ice Blue Sunburst dial glints in the sun it truly looks superb. This is a considered timepiece, and much thought has gone into the design and overall look.
The standout feature of the watch – and, in fact, the entire BR 05 series – consistently revolves around the exceptional craftsmanship evident in the case and bracelet. The polished bevels on the case beautifully contrast with the satin-brushed finish and the integrated steel bracelet. I honestly believe, that in this price bracket, the BR05 GMT has the best case and bracelet finishing available.
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
The 41mm case retains the well-known circle-in-a-square design, originally introduced in the BR03 series. This design is expanded to incorporate integrated lugs, seamlessly merging with the bracelet. The combination of polished chamfers and straight-grained satin flat surfaces provides a distinctive finish. The sculpted steel structures, functioning as crown guards, are securely fastened on the case side. The design maintains its allure and freshness, just as it did upon its initial unveiling.
The uncluttered dial features prominent Arabic numerals at 12, 9, and 6 o'clock, while the remaining hours are indicated by bars with rounded ends. Positioned at 3 o’clock, the hour marker is replaced by a framed date display. The hour and minute hands share a robust, substantial design with luminescent filling. The second hand, slender and centrally mounted along with the other hands, boasts a slim needle shape with an oval counterbalance. The GMT or second time zone hand is also slender, concluding with a large triangle serving as the marker. It is accented with a white tip and luminescent filling, pointing to the 24-hour indicator on the dial's edge, where the sloped flange is outlined for day and night over 24 hours.
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
This GMT BR05 is powered by the BR-CAL.325 movement and offers a 42-hour power reserve. The Sapphire case back really shows off the 360° oscillating weight. As well as a choice of 3 different dial colours, (white, blue, or black), there is also an option to buy this watch with a rubber strap, which is of amazing quality and keeps intact the integrated look to the watch. Add 100m of water resistance to all this spec and we really do have a great summer option.
Let's just agree, this is a great-looking watch. It's very tactile and at times you can’t help but run your fingers along the soft edges. I am genuinely now thinking of adding this GMT to my wish list, it's one of the nicest integrated sports watches, within this price bracket.
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
Specifications:
- Movement: calibre BR-CAL.325 Automatic mechanical.
- Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, second 24-hour time zone and date. Quick setting of the GMT hand, independently of the hour hand.
- Case: 41 mm in width. Satin-finished and polished steel. White and black two-colour flange, with 24-hour scale. Screw-down crown. Crown guard. Sapphire case-back with 360° oscillating weight.
- Dial: blue sunray. Numerals and indices coated in white Super-LumiNova®. Metal skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands.
- Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
- Water-resistance: 100 metres.
- Strap: black rubber or satin-finished and polished steel.
- Buckle: folding. Satin-finished and polished steel.
- £5000.00 with the Bracelet or £4500.00 with Rubber Strap
